Hong Kong can be expensive; where do you hunt down a bargain?
You need to shop around. Buy veggies in the wet market, get your fave things in the more expensive shops like Marks & Spencer, Fusion and Marketplace. There are also so many independent online stores now for organic produce delivery. For kids’ designer clothes, try Retykle; for adults, Hula. There are also lots of items for sale on Carousell and Facebook groups.
Sarah
Hong Kong is definitely expensive for the Western palate – both restaurants and groceries (just look at the prices of hummus, butter, cheese and avocados!). For groceries, I recommend going to the wet markets for the staples, but be prepared to add time to your food shop.
Max
If you don’t mind things that are “slightly used”, you can find some absolute bargains on websites of people selling second-hand stuff. I truly believe the second-hand market in Hong Kong is one of the best as people are coming and going and always upgrading all the time!
Adam
I’VE FOUND
THAT IF YOU GO TO THE WET MARKETS, YOU ALWAYS FIND GREAT, INEXPENSIVE PRODUCE. I LIKE SMITHFIELD MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN.
FOR HOMEWARE, I LOVE GOING TO SHANGHAI STREET.
Aline
I source a lot of furniture via Taobao, which is such fun to scour through! For kitchenware, the market at Sham Shui Po is a chef’s heaven. For Christmas decorations, try Toy Street near Prince Edward. And for porcelain and plateware, go to Yuet Tong Chinaware – it’s the last hand-painted porcelain factory in HK.
Dominique
FOOD
• Head to the fruit and veg markets for your daily dose of fresh produce; you get more bang for your HK dollar than at supermarkets.
• The Simplylife restaurant chain offers delicious pastry and
salad bar options at really reasonable prices.
• Cheese Club is an online supplier of premium European cheeses and deli items, and better priced than many supermarkets. There’s no sign-up charge or monthly commitment; just order what you want and it’s delivered to your door
• BargainMart HK stocks well-loved brands from Europe, the UK and the US, without the HK mark-up! There are three branches – one each in Sai Ying Pun and Kowloon, and a brand new one that has just opened in Sai Kung.
HOMEWARE
• Horizon Plaza has over 100 stores across 25 floors; head here for international home furnishing and discounted fashion brands, and grab a bargain in the process.
• Indigo Living: Head to the sales section of the Indigo site (indigo-living.com) to grab a bargain, or try the outlet shop in Cyberport Arcade.
• Japan Home Centre (JHC) has daily household items and is a
useful chain found pretty much in every neighbourhood. • AsiaXpat: When I need a new piece of furniture or finishing, I check here first for a second-hand option. HK is such a transient community, so a lot of good quality items are up for grabs at really low prices; why buy new?! • PhotobookHongKong is more than just frames and prints; it also sells personalised cutting boards, wooden kitchen utensils and other unexpected products, and at very reasonable prices. • Campo Marzio is great for beautiful Italian-made desk and office stationery, leather notebooks, bags and accessories – luxury without the high price tag!
• Rebooked has pre-loved children’s books, available online and
in-store in Central. It’s such a great way to re-use and recycle.
FASHION
• At Hula, you can shop pre-owned designer womenswear and bags, either online or in-store, and support circular fashion while looking great in the process!
• Cotton On is good for everyday fast fashion items and exercise
gear.
• At Citygate Outlets, there are more than 150 international
fashion brands, with bargains every day.
• Retykle: Buy and sell new and second-hand designer children’s
clothing.
• PMQ isn’t necessarily cheap but it provides such a wonderful array of independent vendors that you can find unique and distinctive items.
Monica